Machine/tool Recommendation

[fuper]

Hi,

I hope this is the correct forum.

I live in an apartment and I have the occasional need to cut square/rectangle pieces from plastic [no larger than 2-3" x 12"]. Additionally I need to do a few drill holes but they need to be precise.

Can anyone recommend a minimal set of tools for the job? Are there mini drill presses that you recommend for a dremel etc?

Cheers,
Fuper

[florida]

fuper, what is your current method for cutting the plastic? is it soft enough to score with a knife or are you sawing it somehow?

[fuper]

Hey thanks for the response. I use a razor blade, score it then snap it. I'm using various plastics as I buy my pieces as scrap from Tap Plastics. Scoring really hurts my hands and I would like more precise cuts.

I was looking at a small bandsaw. Would be useful for cutting thing sheet metal as well?

[florida]

fuper,
You will likely lose some accuracy with the bandsaw, and its not the best for cutting sheet metal. A couple economical investments might be getting started with a standard drill press for holes, and a cutting board for the plastic. Some of the art stores still carry the cutting boards which have a razor blade attached to a rail. After you lock the rail in place, they also have a knob to push the blade deeper so you won't hurt your hands cutting. I used to build architecural models that way. I think after you try something like that, you'll have a better idea of which types of machines you're looking for.

[will gilmore]

how thick is the material? how about a small table saw?

[fuper]

fuper,
You will likely lose some accuracy with the bandsaw, and its not the best for cutting sheet metal. A couple economical investments might be getting started with a standard drill press for holes, and a cutting board for the plastic. Some of the art stores still carry the cutting boards which have a razor blade attached to a rail. After you lock the rail in place, they also have a knob to push the blade deeper so you won't hurt your hands cutting. I used to build architecural models that way. I think after you try something like that, you'll have a better idea of which types of machines you're looking for.

Drill press totally makes sense. I will go check out these plastic scoring machines. I've heard of em but I've never seen one Thanks!

[fuper]

how thick is the material? how about a small table saw?

Hi Will.

The material thickness of the plastic is under a 1/4" I never deal with a piece more than 12" square. I live in an apartment so my project sizes reflect my available space

The sheet metal I'm using is just standard stuff you can get from home depot. I can bend it by hand but need tin snips to cut it. Not sure of the gauge.